As us. We all know by now the series of storms swept across plains yesterday -- one of the most destructive tornadoes in history. Sliced through the towns of Newcastle. And more Oklahoma. In an instant. Neighborhoods were destroyed the dozens of people. Lost their lives. Many more were injured and among the victims were young children. Trying to take shelter in the safest place they knew their school. So our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma today. Our gratitude is with the teachers who gave. Their all to shield their children. With the neighbors. First responders and emergency personnel who raced to help as soon as the tornado passed. And we've all of those -- as darkness fell searched for survivors. Through the night. As a nation and our full focus right now is on the urgent work of rescue and hard work of recovery. And rebuilding that lies ahead. Yesterday I spoke with governor Fallon to make it clear to oklahomans that there would have all the resources that they need. At their disposal. Last night. I issued a disaster declaration to expedite those resources. To support. The governor's team in the immediate response and offer direct assistance to folks. -- suffered loss. I also just spoke -- mayor Louis Moore Oklahoma to ensure that he's getting everything that he needs. I've met with secretary and -- Pulte this morning and admire. Homeland security and counterterrorism advisor Lisa Monaco. To underscore that point that Oklahoma needs to get everything that needs right away. The FEMA administrator Craig few gate. Is on his way to Oklahoma as we speak. FEMA staff was first deployed -- Oklahoma's emergency operations center on Sunday as the state already was facing down. The first wave of deadly tornadoes. Yesterday FEMA activated urban search and rescue teams from Texas. Nebraska and Tennessee to assist in the ongoing search and and rescue efforts and mobile response unit to boost. Communications and logistical support so the people of more. Should know that their country -- remain. On the ground. There for them. Beside them as long as it takes. For there -- homes and schools to rebuild. Businesses and hospitals to reopen. Their parents to console. First responders to comfort and of course frightened children. Who will need our continued love and attention. Are empty spaces where there used to be living rooms and bedrooms in classrooms. And Time Warner and -- Refill those spaces would love and laughter and community. We don't yet know the full extent of the damage from this week's storm. We don't know both the human. An economic losses. That. May have occurred. We know that severe -- rumbling. Of whether bad weather through much of the country still continues and work also preparing for. Hurricane season begins next week. If there is hope to hold on to not just in Oklahoma but around the country it's the knowledge that the good people there aren't. In Oklahoma are better prepared for this type storm the most and what they can be certain of is that. Americans. Former recorder of this country. Will be. -- their -- opening our homes our hearts to those in need. Because we're a nation that -- with our fellow citizens as long as it takes we've seen that spurred in Joplin and Tuscaloosa. We saw that spears in Boston and breezy point. And that's what the people of Oklahoma -- need from us right now. For those of you. Who want to help. You can go online right now to be American Red Cross which is already on the ground in more. Already we've seen the University of Oklahoma announced there will provide housing for displaced families. We've seen local churches and companies opened their doors and their wallets and last night the people -- dispatched teams to help people more. So. For all those who have been affected we recognize that you face long road ahead. In some cases. There'll be enormous grief that has to be. Absorbed. But you will not. Travel that path along. Your country will travel what with the -- Fueled by our faith. In the almighty and our faith in one another so our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma today and move back up those careers where -- deeds. For as long as the -- thank you for.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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